A Quick Trip to North Dakota

What to do in North Dakota

If you’re making your way down the list of states to visit, eventually you’ll get to the beautiful North Dakota. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, everything that I had heard about North Dakota had to do with oil fracking. At the time that we visited, there was a hot debate over a pipeline that was creating quite a bit of waves. I was going on a trip to film the Powwow and as always, we took the chance to explore as much as possible while there.

Medora Musical

Medora Musical

We visited North Dakota in September, and this happens to be the last month that the Medora Musical is in operation for the season. This beautiful outdoor theater is nestled in the breathtaking Badlands. If you go in the later months, you’ll want to dress warmly. Luckily I had a blanket and hot chocolate to keep me from getting too cold. The show is spectacular. There is a whole lot of dancing, singing, acting, and it is all so patriotic I guarantee you’ll leave there in a great mood. This show is perfect for families of all ages. If I make my way back to North Dakota, I am certain I will go back to the Medora Musical.

Medora Musical

Eat at Pitchfork Steak Fondue

To get the real Medora Musical experience, you need to get to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. It is located just across the parking lot from the musical. I had never had a steak prepared this way, and I’ll tell you what, it was delicious!! The outer layer of the steak was crispy, the texture was perfect, juicy and full of flavor. I could have eaten there over and over it was sooo good. Nothing fancy simply just delectable!

Pitchforks ready for steak

Cute cowboy stamp

Pitchfork Steak Fondue

Steak and sides!

The view from Pitchfork Steak Fondue Restaurant

Go to a Powwow

Drum at the United Tribes Powwow

By far the most interesting event I attended while in North Dakota was a Powwow. There is nothing like the energy that you get when you hear the drums beating in unison. We had the chance to interview a few tribes and found that they all had their own amazing way of carrying on their traditions. From the garments to their dancing, the event was full of so much to see and admire. If you’re able to make it in September, I would highly recommend attending the United Tribes Powwow, you won’t be disappointed.

United Tribes Powwow

United Tribes Powwow

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Dakota Badlands

Get ready to see buffalo! This incredible park has a ton of beautiful areas to stop and take pictures, hike, or admire the wildlife. Named after Theodore Roosevelt, this national park is huge at over 70,000 acres. While there we drove through the park and did a little hiking. We saw bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs.

Buffalo at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally & Badlands Kite Fest

Medora, North Dakota Hot Air Balloon Fest

On the morning that we were to visit the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, we noticed that there was going to be a hot air balloon launch. It was a chilly morning, but completely worth it to take a minute to watch the launch. The Rally and Kite Fest is held over two days and is usually in late fall. If you can’t make it to the infamous New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Festival, try catching this one.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

A little hike opens up to a beautiful view at the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. The path we took wound up the side of a foothill and once we reached the top, the view was breathtaking.

What a view!

The artifacts of the old Mandan village and Earthlodges are a treasure. They have 6 reconstructed Earthlodges that you can explore or take a tour to learn all about this Indian village. They also have a military fort, campgrounds, hiking trails, and a gift shop complete with a library.

Earthlodge at Fort Lincoln Park

Interesting North Dakota Facts

North Dakota has 13 national parks, over 480,000 acres were planted with sunflowers and is the largest producer of honey in the nation. I’m sure you’ll find something to fall in love with in North Dakota.

North Dakota SunflowersFree North Dakota Printable

Here’s another free printable. I like to use these as place markers in my photo albums. Just print and snap a picture once you’ve arrived at your destination. Use #postcard50 to tag your photo. Have you visited North Dakota? What’s your favorite place to visit?